afrol News, 20 March - National health authorities have confirmed a cholera outbreak in Senegal. So far, one person has died of the waterborne disease, which over the past years has been causing scare among residents of the West African country.

Cholera, a viral disease that results in vomit and diarrhoea, easily turns fatal, especially in the absence of timely clinical treatment. It is mostly caused by the consumption of contaminated water.

Endowed with a relatively strong health sector, Senegal is set to overcome cholera from causing trouble. An all-out campaign that aims to avoid the spread of the disease from the capital to other areas of the country has since been launched.

Of the 15 reported cholera cases in the capital Dakar, 11 have received treatment and discharged. The remaining four victims are said to be responding to treatment.

The head of Infectious Disease Service at Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar, Professor Salif Sow, said the reported cases have been confirmed after a laboratory test at Fann Hospital.

Health experts added that few cholera cases were reported in some towns in Senegal. They however concurred that all the victims might have got the disease by drinking contaminated water in the holy city of Touba where three million people took place in an annual pilgrimage on 8 March.

Ahead of yet another massive gathering in commemoration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed, Senegalese pilgrims have been advised to be cautious in consuming contaminated water.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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